Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday condoled the death of a 19-year-old medical aspirant, who allegedly ended his life over his National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) score, and the subsequent death by suicide of his father. Further, he urged students not to take the extreme step.
“I appeal that no student take such extreme steps. The NEET, which has been a stumbling block to your progress, could be definitely removed. The Tamil Nadu government has been seriously involved in its efforts towards it, legally,” Mr. Stalin said in a statement.
Recalling the multiple Bills adopted by the Tamil Nadu Legislature to get exemption from NEET and one of which is presently pending with the President, Mr. Stalin charged: “It has been the worst intention of Governor Ravi to keep the Bill pending.”
Reiterating his position that only those who could afford heavy tuition fee for coaching classes could clear NEET, Mr. Stalin said those who could not pay the heavy fees were failing. “Those, who have the money to pay for two to three years of coaching are able to clear it,” he added.
Pointing out that those who secured low marks but cleared NEET, Mr. Stalin said: “They have created a situation where only those with money can afford medical education. Poor, downtrodden students who manage to get medical education are those who get through the 7.5% reservation for government school students. But, Governor R.N. Ravi does not know this. He refuses to understand this.”
Mr. Stalin also hoped that the death of the student and his father would be the last of such deaths due to NEET.
The Chief Minister reiterated his appeal to students not to end their lives but develop self-confidence and courage to lead a successful one.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)
